CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820HQ vs Intel Core i7-8750H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in January 2017 for premium laptops and mobile workstations. Based on the Kaby Lake-H architecture, this 14nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base clock of 2.9 GHz and boosts up to 3.9 GHz, offering strong single-threaded performance for a wide variety of applications. With a 45W TDP, it is intended for thicker laptop chassis capable of dissipating significant heat. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3 memory. It features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing reliable display outputs and hardware media decoding. The 'HQ' suffix denotes a high-performance BGA package, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The i7-7820HQ was a popular choice in 2017 for high-end business laptops and upper-mid-range gaming systems, balancing cost and performance effectively.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Handles modern mid-range GPUs (up to RTX 2070) without bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs on a laptop.
Efficiency
45W TDP can get hot and loud in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- 12 threads provide decent CPU inference
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Pairs perfectly with GTX 1660 Ti to RTX 2070
- Can struggle to maintain 4.1 GHz in poorly cooled laptops
- Excellent for 1080p high-refresh gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good 3.9 GHz single-core performance
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Configurable TDP for laptop designs
- Includes Quick Sync for media
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- High 45W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot be overclocked
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Excellent gaming performance
- Good multi-threaded capability
- Widely supported in laptops
Cons
- Runs hot in thin laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-7820HQ
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7920HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7820HKRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD FX-9800PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mainstream Mobile
Next-gen 6-core upgrade with much better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
- Intel Core i7-7660UAlt
Lower power alternative for thinner laptops.
Intel Core i7-8750H
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700HRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-8950HKRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
Successor with higher clocks and better optimization.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
10th Gen alternative with similar core count.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and 8 cores.
Slightly slower but runs cooler in budget laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better budget alternative with modern architecture.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid and popular mobile CPU in 2017, offering great performance for gaming and professional apps, though 4 cores show their age today.
Best for: Buying a used 2017 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewA legendary mobile CPU that brought real desktop-class hexa-core performance to laptops, remaining viable for modern gaming.
Best for: Buying a budget used gaming laptop for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7820HQ or Intel Core i7-8750H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8750H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-7820HQ or Intel Core i7-8750H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8750H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i7-7820HQ and Intel Core i7-8750H.
Do Core i7-7820HQ and Intel Core i7-8750H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8750H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7820HQ (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8750H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7820HQ (0), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.